¹⁄72

SpPz 2 Luchs

Introduction

The SpŠhpanzer SpPz 2 Luchs (Lynx) is a German 8x8 wheeled amphibious reconnaissance armoured fighting vehicle. In service since 1975 with the German Army, a total of 408 were built and were used in their armoured reconnaissance battalions. It was developed by Daimler-Benz between 1968 and 1975, replacing the M41 and the SchŸtzenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz.

The all-wheel drive Luchs was made by Thyssen-Henschel (now: Rheinmetall) was well armoured, has an NBC protection system and is characterized by its extremely low-noise running signature. The eight large low-pressure tires have run-flat properties. At speeds up to about 50 km/h all four axles are used in steering. A special feature of the vehicle is that it is equipped with a special rear-facing driver with his own driving controls. Up to the first combat effectiveness upgrade in 1986 the Luchs was fully amphibious and could surmount water obstacles quickly and independently using propellers at the rear and the fold back trim vane at the front. Main armament was the 20 mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 gun in the turret and is similar to the one in the Marder IFV. The Luchs is currently to be replaced by the Fennek in Bundeswehr service.

The model used in the feature is the Revell 1/72 scale kit #03118.

The Kit

Moulded in a dark green plastic there are four sprues with 92 referenced parts. Without actually counting, the entire parts count will easily exceed 150 as in many cases one number will reference up to eight individual pieces. The mouldings appear quite sharp with minimal flash and not excessively large seam lines. Sprue gates vary in size and in a number of cases were a tad too thick. This would later require more than average care when removing parts from the sprue.